CVE-2017-16268 in Insteon
Summary
by MITRE • 01/12/2023
Multiple exploitable buffer overflow vulnerabilities exist in the PubNub message handler for the "cc" channel of Insteon Hub running firmware version 1012. Specially crafted commands sent through the PubNub service can cause a stack-based buffer overflow overwriting arbitrary data. An attacker should send an authenticated HTTP request to trigger this vulnerability. In cmd s_b, at 0x9d0165c0, the value for the `id` key is copied using `strcpy` to the buffer at `$sp+0x270`.This buffer is 16 bytes large, sending anything longer will cause a buffer overflow.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/04/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-16268 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow within the PubNub message handler component of Insteon Hub firmware version 1012. This flaw specifically affects the "cc" channel processing functionality and demonstrates a classic software security weakness that has been classified under CWE-121 as stack-based buffer overflow. The vulnerability exists in the command processing logic where the system fails to properly validate input length before copying data to a fixed-size buffer, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by malicious actors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the cmd s_b function at memory address 0x9d0165c0 where the system processes the `id` key value from incoming PubNub messages. The buffer allocated at stack offset $sp+0x270 has a fixed size of only 16 bytes, while the `strcpy` function used for copying data does not perform any bounds checking. This primitive copy operation allows an attacker to exceed the buffer boundaries and overwrite adjacent stack memory locations, potentially corrupting program execution flow, registers, or return addresses. The vulnerability requires an authenticated HTTP request to be triggered, indicating that attackers must first establish valid credentials or access tokens to the system, though this authentication requirement does not prevent exploitation once access is obtained.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data corruption, as it provides potential for arbitrary code execution and system compromise. Attackers who successfully exploit this buffer overflow could manipulate the execution flow of the affected application, potentially leading to complete system takeover or denial of service conditions. The nature of the overflow suggests that an attacker could overwrite critical program state information, including return addresses and function pointers, which aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter execution. This vulnerability particularly affects IoT devices in home automation environments where Insteon Hub systems control lighting, security, and other critical infrastructure components, making the potential impact significant for end-user security and privacy.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate firmware updates from Insteon to address the buffer overflow condition through proper input validation and bounds checking. The fix should implement secure string handling practices such as using `strncpy` or similar functions that enforce maximum buffer limits, alongside comprehensive input validation that checks the length of incoming data before processing. Organizations should also consider network segmentation and access control measures to limit exposure of affected devices to untrusted networks, while implementing monitoring for unusual PubNub traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices in embedded systems and highlights the need for regular security assessments of IoT device firmware to prevent similar conditions from arising in other components of the system.